Eng vs Ind: Irfan Pathan evokes hypocrisy following a quarrel with Gautam Gambhir’s elliptical pitch curator
Lead-up of India and England’s final test In the oval, we began debate well beyond the run and wickets. What was supposed to focus on cricket excellence was charged with tension after Indian head coach Gautam Gunvilleoral conflict with the oval chief curator; Lee Fortis. The incident, which stems from differences of opinion over access to the pitch during practice, was particularly filmed on video, with dominant discussion filmed. Irfan PatanExplosive social media comments questioning whether subcontinent teams still face colonial dual standards.
Lawn war in an oval between the pitch curator and the Gautam Gun Building
The controversy was owned during a routine pitch inspection when Gunville was instructed loudly by Fortis to remain at least 2.5 meters away from the wicket. The instruction that was delivered while the Indian team was wearing unharmed footwear said, “I was wearing unmanned gangbir.You won’t tell us what we need to do”. Tensions escalated rapidly along with Indian batting coach Sitanche Kotak You need to intervene to contain the situation. Videos of Gunville pointing fingers and support staff who are enthusiastically observing the exchange have begun streaming online.
The release has led to years of complaints about how overseas teams are treated during their English tour. Fortis minimized the media incidents, but Gambil said, “A little touch,“The context was unmistakable, especially those conflicts over important pre-match routines, such as pitch assessments, add fuel to the notion that visiting teams still face invisible barriers today.
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Irfan Patan questions the prejudice of English following Gambil’s heated debate with curators
The incident took on a sharper edge when former Indian all-rounder Patan expressed a strong critique of X (formerly Twitter).So, can an English coach walk to the pitch to inspect it? But can’t Indian coaches? Are we still stuck in colonial times?Patan’s words resonate with many, quickly turning the episode into lightning, for discussion about the lingering traces of the colonial past of equality and cricket.
Patan explained further, noting that there was photographic evidence from the England head coach. Brendon McCallum Gambhir was facing strict restrictions a few days before the match, but without being disturbed, he inspected the exact same pitch on Fortis. The fundamental proposal of the double standard also brings back home for Indian fans and cricket experts, evoking memories of the sport’s historical bias, and seeking uniform treatment for all teams, regardless of where they tour.
India will chase 2-1 as the temper is cool and the team is refocused on the tests deciding on the series, but supported by a dramatic draw at Old Trafford – the oval episode remains a reminder. The results of the test may determine who will lift the trophy, but the oval saga serves as an appeal to rethink how the game’s spirit is protected, celebrating both its competitiveness and its ideals of fairness.
So, can an English coach walk to the pitch to inspect it? But can’t Indian coaches? Are we still stuck in colonial times?
– Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan) July 29, 2025
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